Jay_Russell Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 Has any body started frementing this years crop yet? We have had a small frost last week but i prefer a good old night freeze before i pick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roadkill Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 Yep did mine two weeks ago, I put my in the freezer instead of waiting for the frost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay_Russell Posted October 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 I had thought of putting them in the freezer but i was unsure if it would have the same effect Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jega Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 Yep did ours about two weeks ago we used the freezer same as last year.We picked them a lot earlier then usual simply because they were out very early this year and there wasnt that many about round our way. We've just opened last years and its absolutely lovely . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay_Russell Posted October 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 Ok i will give the freezer ago. How long did you keep them in for? 3-4 hours to mimic a hard frost prehaps? Sadly last years batch was all gone by march! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yellow Bear Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 I have found full freeze works best - we tend to pick over a period as they ripen and freeze them down - defrost in the "brewing" vessel (we tend to use Kilners) and then shake prior to adding other ingredients (saves pricking). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay_Russell Posted October 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 Thanks for your help guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ollie Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 I noticed a load ready for picking on Saturday, so I intend making my first ever batch this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconFN Posted October 13, 2014 Report Share Posted October 13, 2014 Slim pickings around here. I struggled to pick half a bag full a week or so ago and many were half rotten, shrivelled or had dropped off the bush. I gave up in the end and got the last of the blackberries to put in brandy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark@mbb Posted October 13, 2014 Report Share Posted October 13, 2014 I made that much last we still haven't drunk it all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubble Posted October 13, 2014 Report Share Posted October 13, 2014 we used ALDI gin last year [ the green bottled one] ........ grrrrreat neill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark1206 Posted October 13, 2014 Report Share Posted October 13, 2014 good luck if you can find some !! All gone bad on the bushes round here.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aled Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 Yep did mine week last Saturday now fermenting nicely will ready for the fishing season in April. Cheers Aled Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pigeon mad Posted October 20, 2014 Report Share Posted October 20, 2014 Doing mine tonight can't wait love the stuff ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maldred4 Posted October 20, 2014 Report Share Posted October 20, 2014 Had to pick all mine early this year, last week in September, even then there was the odd shrivelled one. I went back last week to see what was left, what they were like etc and glad I picked them when I did. What was left were very shrivelled or rotten and would have been no use. I try to make a batch each year and managed to pick a good crop this time. I didn't freeze any and just sat over a couple of evenings watching tv, pricking required amounts with cocktail sticks. So now I have about 8 litres on the go and wont touch that till next year. I have a lot I made last year that has matured rather well, I'll drink some this winter and give some bottles as gifts for Christmas. The rest I will let mature for a good while longer as last years sloes for me were particularly good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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